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European Entry/Exit System (EES) in Spain: What does it mean for foreigners?

From the fall of 2024, the European Entry/Exit System (EES) will become operational in Spain, as in all Schengen countries.

EES, schengen, tourism, Spain, relocation, startup visa


❓WHAT IT IS


This new system is aimed at improving the enforcement of the rules of stay for third-country (non-EU) nationals, as well as at ensuring security.


Under EES, when crossing the Schengen border, travelers will have to provide additional data and undergo biometric registration.


This innovation is important for tourists, entrepreneurs and workers who plan to visit Spain frequently or are already in the country



❓HOW THE EES SYSTEM WORKS


EES is designed to track entries, exits and periods of stay of foreign nationals in the Schengen area The main functions of the system include:


  • Digital registration: The system replaces the traditional stamping of passports with automatic digital record keeping of each border crossing This allows for a significantly simplified control process.


  • Biometric data collection All third-country nationals crossing the border will be required to undergo fingerprint scanning and facial photography This biometric data will accurately identify travelers and prevent fraud cases.


  • Automatic calculation of the length of stay: The system automatically calculates how many days a traveler has spent in the Schengen area This is especially important for those traveling under the 90-day visa-free regime to avoid exceeding the allowed length of stay.



❓WHY THE EES SYSTEM WAS INTRODUCED


The European Union is implementing EES to improve security, combat irregular migration and ensure stricter enforcement of visa regulations. The system is designed to facilitate the work of border guards, improve the management of entry and exit flows and reduce the risk of overstaying, especially for short-term visas.


The EES system also allows the EU to better manage migration flows and to track individuals who stay in the Schengen area longer than the authorized period of stay. This is particularly relevant for countries such as Spain, where there is a high annual tourist and migration flow.



❓WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR FOREIGNERS


  • Stricter monitoring of the 90-day visa regime: For nationals who visit Spain on a short-term visa or under the visa-free regime, the EES will become an important tool for tracking the duration of their stay. Exceeding the 90-day limit will now be tracked automatically, which may result in fines, deportation or a ban on re-entry to the Schengen area.


  • Additional time at the border: Biometric data collection procedures will require additional time at the border. This may cause queues and delays, especially at the beginning of the system implementation. Plan your travels with this factor in mind, especially during peak seasons.


  • Simplified control for frequent travelers: The EES will be useful for those who visit Spain or other Schengen countries on a regular basis, as it will allow for accurate tracking and management of the time of stay, preventing irregularities.



❓HOW TO PREPARE


🔷 Check your travels


If you are a frequent visitor to Schengen countries, start keeping track of your entry and exit dates. The EES will accurately record every visit you make, so it's important to keep up with the allowable dates.


🔷 Take into account the time at the border

If you're planning a trip, allow extra time to get through the border as the system will require biometric data collection.


🔷 Prepare for data collection

Upon entry, be prepared to undergo fingerprint scanning and photography. It is important to carry a valid passport and follow the instructions of the border guards.



❓CONCLUSION


The European Entry/Exit System (EES) is changing the rules for third-country nationals, making controls on the length of stay in Spain and other Schengen countries stricter. These changes are aimed at improving security and combating illegal migration.


 

Keep up to date and prepare for the latest changes to make your visit to Spain and Europe run smoothly. Find out with us what is happening and what to do about it.


And if you have questions about moving, getting a residence permit or living in Spain 🔻



 

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